Sat. Feb. 23

 We've loved the Super Furry Animals, who are actually human beings from Wales, since they debuted in 1996. And we've admired the ambition of lead singer Gruff Rhys (in photo), who's put out two solo albums between the last two SFA releases. The latest Animals disc is "Hey Venus!" and fans won't be disappointed: The band's forte is psychedelic/prog rock, which means they like taking songs around the bend and back. But they never stare at their own navels for too long. There are light pop tunes that break up the big noise. SFA may now be entering an early '70s Bowie phase - not a bad thing at all. And how can you not like a song called "Neo Consumer," one of the cooler tracks on the new disc. Reminds us of the Clash's "Lost in the Supermarket."  Thematically, not musically. They're at the Paradise tonight Saturday Feb. 23. With Times New Viking opening about 9. Tickets: $17.50

967 Commonwealth Ave, 617-562-8001 www.thedise.com